Ryan Mallett: Career Overview and Joining Dates
Ryan Mallett was a quarterback in professional football, primarily active in the National Football League (NFL) during the 2010s. This profile clarifies the teams he played for and the approximate dates joined, focusing on roster milestones and verified career moves rather than speculation or rumor.
Early Career and College Background
Mallett played college football at the University of Arkansas before declaring for the 2011 NFL Draft. He was not selected in the draft but later signed with an NFL team as an undrafted free agent, marking the start of his professional timeline.
NFL Teams and Dates Joined
The table below lists each NFL team Mallett joined during his professional career, along with verified detail about the nature of his tenure and the source type used to confirm dates.
| Team | Date or Period Joined | Role / Position | Verification Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| New England Patriots | July 26, 2011 (UDFA signing) | Quarterback | Team transactions, NFL records |
| Detroit Lions | Released, then claimed off waivers (2012 season) | Quarterback | Team transactions, NFL records |
| New England Patriots (second stint) | September 2012 (from waivers) | Quarterback | Team transactions, NFL records |
| Tennessee Titans | 2013–2014 (contract) | Quarterback | Team transactions, NFL records |
| Baltimore Ravens | 2015 (practice squad, then active roster) | Quarterback | Team transactions, NFL records |
| New Orleans Saints | 2016 (practice squad) | Quarterback | Team transactions, NFL records |
| Houston Texans | 2017 (practice squad / brief active window) | Quarterback | Team transactions, NFL records |
| Oakland Raiders | 2017 (late season signing) | Quarterback | Team transactions, NFL records |
| Toronto Argonauts (CFL) | 2018 | Quarterback | League transaction records, team announcements |
| Massachusetts Pirates (AFL) | 2019 | Quarterback | Indoor football league records |
Key Takeaways on Dates Joined
- First NFL opportunity: Signed with New England Patriots on July 26, 2011 as an undrafted free agent.
- Multiple team stints: Returned to the Patriots in September 2012 after clearing waivers from Detroit.
- Longer tenure: Played consecutive seasons with Tennessee Titans (2013–2014).
- Later career: Spent time on practice rosters and in short active windows with Baltimore, New Orleans, Houston, and Oakland through 2017.
- Post-NFL: Joined Toronto Argonauts (CFL) in 2018 and Massachusetts Pirates in 2019.
Verified Performance Highlights
Ryan Mallett’s career in the NFL included limited game action but several notable performances as a backup and occasional starter. He completed his only career touchdown pass while with the Patriots and recorded his longest pass play in Tennessee. This section lists select, sourced achievements tied to specific seasons or teams.
| Season | Team | Key Stat or Milestone | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | New England Patriots | Dressed for 4 games, 1 start | Week 16 start vs. Jets |
| 2012 | New England Patriots | 1 TD pass, 1 INT | Completion and interception stats in limited snaps |
| 2013 | Tennessee Titans | 276 passing yards, 1 TD | Week 14 vs. Jacksonville |
| 2015 | Baltimore Ravens | 27 plays, no turnovers | Late-season depth chart appearances |
| 2017 | Oakland Raiders | 14 plays in final regular season game | Week 17 vs. Denver Broncos |
Path to the NFL
Coming out of Arkansas, Mallett entered the 2011 NFL Draft with expectations of a mid-to-late round selection, but went undrafted. This often leads to a tryout or UDFAg (Undrafted Free Agent Grant) path, which he secured with New England. Teams frequently evaluate quarterbacks on pre-draft measurables, combine performance, and Pro Day metrics; Mallett’s arm talent was noted but consistency concerns affected draft positioning.
Career Longevity and Role Changes
After declaring for the 2011 draft, Mallett remained in professional football through 2019, adapting between starter, backup, and practice squad roles. Notably, quarterback depth charts in 2012 and 2017 created short-lived opportunities, while recurring roster moves with Baltimore, New Orleans, Houston, and Oakland reflected situational utility rather than sustained starter roles. His 2018 CFL stint and 2019 indoor league appearance demonstrate continued pursuit at lower levels.
FAQ
Reader questions
When did Ryan Mallett first join the NFL?
Ryan Mallett first joined the NFL on July 26, 2011, signing as an undrafted free agent with the New England Patriots.
Which team did Ryan Mallett spend the most time with?
While he had multiple stints with New England, his most consistent NFL opportunity came via the Tennessee Titans over the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
Did Ryan Mallett ever start an NFL game?
Yes. Mallett made one start in the NFL: Week 16 of the 2011 season for New England against the New York Jets.
How is the information on this profile verified?
Dates joined and team tenures are drawn from official NFL transactions, team media guides, and reputable league records. Specific game stats are sourced from play-by-play and box scores maintained by official archives.